New leader chosen for Columbus economic development group

The Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation will have a new leader next week.

The group is announcing that Phil Wagner, most recently with a similar group in Rockwall, Texas, has been chosen as its next president.

In Rockwell he oversaw $650 million in new investment, the creation of nearly 1,400 new jobs and the development of a 210-acre business park expansion . Previously he worked in economic development roles in Sugar Land, Texas and Dubuque, Iowa.

The Greater Columbus EDC serves Columbus, Edinburgh, and all of Bartholomew County by working to grow and diversify the local economy. Officials say that Wagner will lead efforts to attract and retain community-minded employers, to support existing business expansion, and collaborate with local and regional partners to ensure the community remains a competitive place to live and do business.

The previous president, Jason Hester, left this spring to take a role with the Indy Chamber as chief economic development officer.

Wagner will start the new role next Monday.